On this day, 70 years ago, August 20, 1955 (July 3, 1955 in the lunar calendar), Algeria rebels launched a large-scale offensive. French federal official Jacques Saustern discusses issues with Algeria leaders On August 20, 1955, hundreds of nationalist rebels burned and looted northeastern Algeria today. Their brutal attack was apparently related to a joint operation by Morocco terrorists who assassinated dozens of Europeans. Under the leadership of former city council member Zilot Youssef, Algeria insurgents attacked 25 towns and bombed French command headquarters, police stations, city halls and train stations. At the same time, hundreds of men and women from rural areas broke into European homes and killed residents there. In Philippweille, French Muslims were targeted after a mob killed 60 people. The French security garrison, which had been in a state of preparation since the previous day, quickly fought back. They destroyed villages they suspected of harbouring rebels.